Whitesnake - Lovehunter - 12" Vinyl LP Album

   Lovehunter's lurid cover art featuring a naked white female straddling a large snake was created by famed fantasy artist Chris Achilleos. Reportedly the controversial cover proved troublesome for Achilleos who subsequently refused to do album covers for many years 

 

large album front cover photo of: Whitesnake Lovehunter

Album Description:

The world of rock music is filled with iconic album covers that have become synonymous with the bands and their music. In 1979, Whitesnake, a British hard rock band, released their second studio album, "Lovehunter", which featured an incredibly controversial cover art. Created by renowned fantasy artist Chris Achilleos, the album cover depicted a naked white female straddling a large snake. This bold and provocative artwork sparked considerable attention and controversy, causing Achilleos to distance himself from album cover designs for many years to come.

Chris Achilleos, known for his intricate and imaginative fantasy artwork, was commissioned to create the cover art for Whitesnake's "Lovehunter" album. Achilleos embraced the task, aiming to craft an image that would visually capture the essence of the album's title. He conjured up a striking and erotic scene where a sensuous woman fearlessly interacts with a colossal snake, blending themes of love, danger, and desire.

Upon its release, the cover art for "Lovehunter" stirred up immediate controversy. The image, depicting a nude woman straddling a snake, was considered highly provocative and sexually explicit for its time. The explicitness of the artwork drew widespread attention, both positive and negative. Many music fans found it intriguing and captivating, while others criticized it for being overly explicit and objectifying women.

Although the album cover sparked controversy and garnered attention, it had unintended consequences for Chris Achilleos. As a result of the uproar surrounding "Lovehunter", the artist found himself embroiled in controversy and faced backlash from various quarters. This negative response seemingly affected Achilleos, who reportedly became disillusioned with album cover commissions and subsequently distanced himself from the medium for a significant period.

Whitesnake's "Lovehunter" remains a significant cultural artifact, not only for its music but also for its controversial cover art. The album cover opened up a discourse on artistic freedom, censorship, and societal norms. It challenged the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in visual art, and in doing so, it pushed the envelope for album cover designs in the rock genre.

Over the years, the controversy surrounding the "Lovehunter" album cover has only grown. It has become a notable example of the power of visual imagery to provoke discussions and generate strong reactions. The cover's ability to incite debate and divide opinions speaks to its enduring impact and lasting legacy in the realm of album art.

Music Genre:

  Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Glam Rock 

Album Production information:

The album: "Lovehunter" was produced by: Martin "P.C." Birch for Sunburst Records and YOU!

This album was recorded at: Clearwell Castle , Gloucestershire with the Rolling Stones Mobile and mixed at Central Recorders Studio and Sauna, London 1979

Album cover design: Chris Achilleos

Chris Achilleos is a renowned painter and illustrator, born on 30 October 1947, in Famagusta, Cyprus. He later moved to the United Kingdom, where he established himself as one of the most prominent and influential artists in the fields of fantasy and science fiction.

From an early age, Achilleos displayed a keen interest and natural talent for art. He studied at the Hornsey College of Art in London, where he honed his skills and developed a distinctive artistic style. Inspired by the works of renowned fantasy artists such as Frank Frazetta and Roy G. Krenkel, Achilleos began to create his own imaginative and captivating artworks.

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In the early stages of his career, Achilleos primarily focused on book covers, producing stunning illustrations for popular science fiction and fantasy novels. His attention to detail, combined with his ability to create intricate and dynamic compositions, quickly made him a sought-after artist in the publishing industry. Some of his notable book cover illustrations include works for authors such as Michael Moorcock, Isaac Asimov, and Robert E. Howard.

Achilleos's talent extended beyond book covers, leading him to venture into other areas of art and illustration. His artwork graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Heavy Metal and Playboy, where his captivating and often provocative images garnered widespread attention and acclaim.

In addition to his contributions to the world of literature and magazines, Achilleos made a significant impact on the music industry. He created iconic album covers for various renowned bands, including Uriah Heep, Saxon Helloween. His ability to capture the essence of a band's music and translate it into visual form made him a favorite among musicians and fans alike.

One of Achilleos's notable contributions to the realm of album cover art is his work for the band Uriah Heep. His collaboration with Uriah Heep resulted in the creation of the mesmerizing cover illustration for their album "Fallen Angel." Released in 1978, the German gatefold 12" LP vinyl version of the album showcased Achilleos's talent for capturing the essence of the band's music through captivating fantasy art.

Chris Achilleos's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and exhibitions worldwide, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful artist. His distinctive style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail, vibrant colors, and a sense of dynamic energy, continues to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts to this day.

Throughout his career, Achilleos has received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the world of art. He has been honored with the British Fantasy Award for Best Artist, as well as receiving the World Fantasy Award for Best Artist and the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist.

Chris Achilleos's impact on the world of fantasy and science fiction art cannot be overstated. His captivating and imaginative illustrations have left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing and inspiring generations of artists and fans. With a career spanning several decades, Achilleos's legacy continues to grow, ensuring his place as one of the most celebrated and influential artists in the realm of fantasy and science fiction.

 

Record Label & Catalognr:

  UAG 30264 FAME 4130951

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

  1979 Made in EEC
Band Members and Musicians on: Whitesnake Lovehunter
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • David Coverdale - vocals

    Unleash the raw power of David Coverdale's voice! From Deep Purple's rock anthems to Whitesnake's chart-topping ballads, his journey is a symphony of passion and perseverance. Read about his career

  • Micky Moody - guitars
  • Bernie Marsden - guitars

    Bernie Marsden a British musician, songwriter, and producer who is best known for his work as the guitarist for the legendary hard rock band, Whitesnake. He was born on May 7, 1951, in Buckinghamshire, England.

    Marsden began his music career in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a member of various bands, including "Skinny Cat" and UFO. In 1978, he joined Whitesnake, which was led by David Coverdale at the time. During his time with the band, Marsden co-wrote some of their most famous songs, including "Here I Go Again" and "Fool for Your Loving."

    After leaving Whitesnake in the mid-1980s, Marsden continued to work as a session musician and producer. He also released several solo albums, including "And About Time Too" and "Look at Me Now."

    Throughout his career, Marsden has been recognized as one of the most talented guitarists in the hard rock genre. He has been praised for his technical skill, his ability to write catchy and memorable riffs, and his contributions to the development of the hard rock sound in the 1980s.

  • Jon Lord - keyboards

    Journey through the electrifying fusion of rock and classical music with Jon Lord, the iconic keyboardist of Deep Purple! Witness his evolution from "Smoke on the Water" to symphonic masterpieces. Learn about his career

  • Neil Murray - bass

    Neil Murray (full-name: Philip Neil Murray) one of British most experienced Bass guitar players and best known for being a member of the British Hard Rock band: "Whitesnake". Murray has also performed and recorded with Black Sabbath ( Gt Britain ), Bob Marley & The Wailers, Colosseum II, Cozy Powell's Hammer, Gary Moore (GBR), Gilgamesh, Peter Green Splinter Group, The Brian May Band, Vow Wow (JPN), Whitesnake (GBR).

  • Dave Dowle - drums
Complete Track Listing of: "Lovehunter"

The Song/tracks on "Lovehunter" are

  • Long Way from Home (David Coverdale) 4:56
  • Walking in the Shadow of the Blues (Coverdale, Bernie Marsden) 4:24
  • Help Me Thro' the Day (Leon Russell) 4:39
  • Medicine Man (Coverdale) 3:59
  • You 'n' Me (Coverdale, Marsden) 3:30
  • Mean Business (Coverdale, Micky Moody, Marsden, Neil Murray, Jon Lord, Dave Dowle) 3:48
  • Love Hunter (Coverdale, Moody, Marsden) 5:39
  • Outlaw (Coverdale, Marsden, Lord) 4:03
  • Rock 'N' Roll Women (Coverdale, Moody) 4:45
  • We Wish You Well (Coverdale) 1:34
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "Whitesnake Lovehunter"
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Album Back Cover  Photo of "Whitesnake Lovehunter"
High Resolution Photo #11 whitesnake lovehunter  
Photo of "Whitesnake Lovehunter" 12" LP Record - Side One:
High Resolution Photo #12 whitesnake lovehunter  

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

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